Aspirator for manipulating filaments

ABSTRACT

An aspirator provides linear control over air flow for manipulation of extruded fibers. A distribution manifold has a barrel valve between first and second flow channels, enabling precise, linear control over air flowing from a charge conduit to a pressure chamber surrounding a discharge pipe. Plural orifices in the discharge pipe connect the pressure chamber to the interior thereof, which is configured as a Venturi tube. Discharge pipe surfaces that can contact filaments therein are of hardened material while non-contact surfaces are of lighter materials.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/308,124, filed on May 5, 2021, which claims the benefit of priorityU.S. Provisional Application No. 63/020,509, filed on May 5, 2020, theentireties of each are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The production of nonwoven webs of fibrous elements, such as polymerfilaments requires the use of tools for manipulating the filamentswithout tangling them. For example, when polymer filaments are extrudedfrom spinnerets, it is necessary to collect the cooled filaments anddirect them to further processing equipment, including Godet rollers andwinding spools. Aspirator guns have typically been used for thispurpose.

However, known aspirator guns have suffered from non-linear control overthe flow of air used to attract and draw extruded fibers, thus leadingto unpredictable efforts at manipulating such fibers. This often leadsto damaged fibers and wasted materials.

Most polymer filaments are very abrasive as they flow through aspiratorsat typical speeds. Some prior art aspirators use lightweight materials,such as aluminum for internal contact surfaces for weight savingsdespite a propensity for wear. Other prior art aspirators utilizehardened materials that are more resistant to wear, but are thus heavyand harder to manipulate precisely.

There exists a need for a durable, lightweight aspirator that enablesoptimized control over air flow for use in manipulating extruded fiberswithout damage.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes an aspirator that provides linear,predictable control over air flow, thus leading to improved efficiencyin the manipulation of extruded fibers or other particulate matter. Amethod of use of the disclosed aspirator is also disclosed.

In an embodiment, the aspirator includes an air distribution manifoldhaving a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flowchannel has an inlet in the air distribution manifold and is configuredto be selectively coupled to a charge conduit providing pressurizedfluid to the first flow channel. The second flow channel is adjacent tothe first flow channel and has an inlet and an outlet in the airdistribution manifold. The manifold also has a barrier wall intermediatethe first and second flow channels.

A barrel valve assembly is disposed intermediate the first and secondflow channels in the barrier wall. The configuration of a passagethrough the barrel valve enables linear adjustment to fluidcommunication between the first and second flow channels.

A charge conduit interface is received within the first flow channel. Aninlet guide pipe, dimensioned to receive plural textile filamentstherein, is disposed with respect to an upstream end of the manifold. Adischarge pipe is partially disposed within the second flow channel. Thesecond flow channel has a first portion at an upstream end. The firstportion of the second flow channel is configured for selectiveengagement with the inlet guide pipe. Plural radial orifices extendingfrom an exterior surface of the discharge the pipe first portion to aninterior surface thereof. An intermediate portion of the discharge pipeis in fluid communication with the first portion and also has pluralradial orifices extending from the exterior surface on the dischargepipe to the interior surface thereof. A second portion is at adownstream end of the discharge pipe and is in fluid communication withthe discharge pipe intermediate portion. The second portion of thedischarge pipe is configured to be selectively coupled to an exhaustconduit.

A pressure chamber is formed between the second flow channel and anexterior surface of the discharge pipe, the pressure chamber being influid communication with the interior of the discharge pipe via theplural radial orifices of the discharge pipe first portion andintermediate portion.

A fluid flow path thus can be formed between the charge conduitsupplying compressed fluid (e.g., air), through the barrel valve, intothe pressure chamber, and then into the discharge pipe interior via theorifices. The orifices are axially angled to direct the compressed fluidaway from the inlet guide pipe. The interior flow path of the dischargepipe is configured as a Venturi pipe, whereby fluid flowing therethroughis accelerated.

Thus, when the barrel valve is manipulated to allow the flow ofcompressed fluid into the discharge pipe, a vacuum is formed above theorifices. Air is drawn into the inlet guide pipe. When such air isflowing and the end of the aspirator is proximate a bundle of filaments,the filaments are drawn into the inlet guide pipe without tangling. Theair flow is sufficient to maintain the ends of the filaments within theaspirator as the filaments are manipulated, with respect to furtherprocessing equipment. Once oriented as desired, the barrel valve isre-oriented to reduce or stop the flow of compressed fluid and thefilaments are released from the aspirator.

The fluid metering valve employed in the presently disclosed aspiratoris provided with a barrel valve having a passage that extends off-axisalong a length of and through the barrel valve. When in a closedorientation, a solid portion of the barrel valve blocks the passageintermediate the two flow channels. Rotation of the barrel valve exposesa portion of the passage intermediate the two flow channels, allowing ametered amount of fluid flow therebetween. The off-axis passage andassociated solid portion of the barrel valve enable the thickness of thedistribution manifold receiving the valve to be minimized, therebyreducing the overall footprint and weight of the manifold.

Beneficially, the passage is formed with a square, rectangular, orrounded rectangular cross-section. Such a configuration enables a linearor near linear relationship between change in fluid flow volume throughthe passage and change in angular position of the barrel valve relativeto the distribution manifold. This linearity provides a more predictableresponse to valve manipulation. In addition, such a configurationenables the valve to change from fully closed to fully open in less thanone-hundred twenty degrees of barrel valve rotation and in anotherembodiment, ninety degrees or less, allowing for a faster rate of fluidflow increase or decrease.

A further advantage enabled by the presently disclosed fluid meteringvalve is that the volume of material in the barrel valve can beminimized, thereby contributing to weight and size reduction.

In an aspect of the present embodiments, a fluid metering valve assemblyincludes a barrel valve having a valve body, the body beingsubstantially symmetrical about an axis of symmetry. The valve body hasfirst and opposite second ends along the body axis of symmetry and apassage formed laterally through the body.

The passage comprises mutually parallel, planar, first and second sidewalls, each lying in a respective plane that is parallel to the bodyaxis of symmetry. The passage also comprises a first planar end wall,intermediate ends of the first and second side walls most proximate thebody first end, and a second planar end wall, intermediate ends of thefirst and second side walls most proximate the body second end. Thefirst end wall is parallel to the second end wall and both the first andsecond end walls lie in a respective plane that is orthogonal to thebody axis of symmetry.

The passage also comprises transition regions between the first planarend wall and the ends of each of the first and second side walls mostproximate the body first end and between the second planar end wall andthe ends of each of the first and second side walls most proximate thebody second end. In an embodiment, the transition regions are each aright angle, whereby a cross-section of the passage coincident with thevalve body axis of symmetry is a rectangle or square. In anotherembodiment, the transition regions are each a circular arc having acentral angle of ninety degrees, whereby a cross-section of the passagecoincident with the valve body axis of symmetry is a rounded rectangleor rounded square.

In another embodiment, a method of enabling the selective engagement ofplural non-woven filaments using an aspirator is disclosed. Theaspirator is as described above. The charge conduit is coupled to thefirst air flow channel, the inlet guide pipe is coupled to a second endto the discharge pipe first portion, and the exhaust conduit is coupledto the discharge pipe second portion. The barrel valve assembly isselectively rotated within the barrier wall to selectively place thefirst and second flow channels in mutual fluid communication, wherebypressurized fluid from the charge conduit flows through the first flowchannel, through the barrel valve assembly, and into the pressurechamber. Pressurized fluid then flows through the plural radial orificesinto the discharge pipe towards the downstream end thereof. A vacuumcreated above the Venturi tube formed by the discharge pipe interiorintermediate the orifices enables attraction and retention of thefilaments within the aspirator. Precise, linear control of the vacuum isachieved through use of the barrel valve assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a distribution manifold having a valveassembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an elevation view of the distribution manifold of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a barrel valve for use in the valveassembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the barrel valve of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top section view of the manifold of FIG. 1B taken alongsection lines 3-3 illustrating the barrel valve of FIGS. 2A and 2B in aclosed orientation relative to the distribution manifold;

FIG. 3B is a top section view of the manifold of FIG. 1B taken alongsection lines 3-3 illustrating the barrel valve of FIGS. 2A and 2B in anopen orientation relative to the distribution manifold;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the distribution manifold ofFIGS. 1A and 1B having a valve assembly, including the barrel valve ofFIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of an aspirator assemblyincluding the distribution manifold of FIGS. 1A and 1B and the barrelvalve of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a portion of the aspirator assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 are exploded and unexploded perspective views of a portion of theaspirator assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6 ; and

FIG. 8 is a side section view of the aspirator assembly portion of FIG.7 .

FIG. 9 is a photo of the aspirator assembly.

FIG. 10 is a photo of the disassembled aspirator assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a particular embodiment of a distribution manifold100 having a barrel valve assembly 120 disposed therein according to thepresent disclosure. The illustrated manifold includes first and secondmutually parallel flow channels 102, 104, the flow channels being inselective mutual communication via the valve assembly. The manifold isalso visible in a horizontal section views in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first flow channel 102 terminateswithin the manifold, opposite an open end 106, while the second flowchannel 104 has dual open ends 108, 110, though the presently disclosedvalve assembly 120 is operable in association with other manifoldembodiments as well. Each flow channel open end can be provided withsuitable features to facilitate the selective coupling offluid-conveying members, such as hoses, tubes or pipes, as will bediscussed below with regard to an aspirator assembly of the presentdisclosure. These features can be, for example, mutually cooperatingthreads disposed on or in a manifold open end and on or in an end of thecooperating fluid-conveying member. Alternatively, mutually cooperatingmale and female quick connect fittings can be employed for purposes ofselective coupling.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the substantially cylindrical valveassembly 120 is disposable in a semi-cylindrical bore 162 formed withina barrier wall 112 intermediate the first and second mutually parallelflow channels 102, 104. As illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 4 ,the barrel valve assembly includes a barrel valve 122. In certainembodiments of the valve assembly, additional elements are included,such as one or more O-rings 124, also referred to as circular seals, anda liner 126, as discussed below.

The barrel valve 122 is depicted in detail in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Thebarrel valve has a substantially cylindrical body 130 having an axis ofsymmetry 138 and first and second opposite ends 132, 134. Intermediatethe two ends, a passage 140 extends laterally across and through thebody. The passage is comprised of two mutually parallel, planar sidewalls 142 and two mutually parallel, planar end walls 146. The sidewalls each lie in a plane that is parallel to the axis of symmetry. Afirst end wall is intermediate the ends of a first side wall and asecond side wall that are most proximate the body first end, while asecond end wall is intermediate the ends of the first side wall and thesecond side wall that are most proximate the body second end. The endwalls each lie within a respective plane that is orthogonal to the bodyaxis of symmetry. A plane 136 intermediate or halfway between the firstand second side walls is parallel to but offset or spaced from the bodyaxis of symmetry by a non-zero distance “d”.

Transitions 148 extend between the first planar end wall 146 and theends of the first and second side walls 142 most proximate the bodyfirst end 132 and between the second planar end wall and the ends of thefirst and second side walls most proximate the body second end 134. Thebody axis 138 of symmetry orthogonally intersects either both first andopposite second end walls of the passage or two opposing transitions.

As depicted, the passage 140 is a rounded rectangle in cross-sectionalshape, as a result of each transition 148 being a circular arc having acentral angle of ninety degrees. In alternative embodiments, the passagecan present a rounded square. The term “rounded rectangle” is understoodto encompass a rounded square. In yet further embodiments, eachtransition 148 is a right angle, whereby the passage is a rectangle orsquare. All embodiments have substantially linear side walls 142 and endwalls 146 therebetween. These characteristics provide for asubstantially linear response in adjustment of flow rate with respect todegree of barrel valve 122 rotation. A full range of flow control isthus enabled within 120 degrees of barrel valve 122 rotation, or within90 degrees of barrel valve rotation.

The plane 136 intermediate the first and second side walls 142 beingoffset or spaced from the body axis of symmetry 138 places the passage140 off axis relative to the axis of the valve body 130. Thischaracteristic is useful in that a portion of the body can extend intoone of the flow channels 102, 104, beyond its seal, while an oppositeportion of the valve body extends across a semi-cylindrical bore 162 inthe manifold barrier wall 112 (discussed subsequently), therebypreventing fluid flow therethrough. This orientation is depicted in FIG.3A and results in an ability to utilize a thinner barrier wall betweenflow channels, thus reducing the overall footprint and weight of thedistribution manifold.

In an embodiment, the barrel valve 122 has at least one rotationlimiting channel 150 formed on the body 130. In FIGS. 2A and 4 , twosuch channels are provided, one proximate the body first end 132 and oneproximate the body second end 134. These channels are each intended toreceive and cooperate with a respective fixed projection 174 (FIG. 7 ),such as a set screw extending radially inward from ports 172 (FIGS. 4and 7 ) of the distribution manifold 100 barrier wall 112. Theprojections can be threaded members having a screw-head formed on oneend for selective insertion into the manifold 100. In this embodiment,the ports have complimentary threads in an interior surface thereof.Once each projection is inserted into the respective port and isextended into the respective rotation limiting channel, rotation of thebarrel valve is thus limited by the radial distance that the rotationlimiting channel or channels extend about the body. In one embodiment,the channel or channels extend in an arc of 120 degrees or less aboutthe body axis of symmetry 138 on the outer surface of the body. In afurther embodiment, the channel or channels extend in an arc of roughlyninety degrees or less.

In order to minimize weight and the quantity of material required tofabricate the valve assembly 120, the valve body 130 can be providedwith a cutout 144 formed on an outer surface of the body. In theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cutout is formed as asemi-cylindrical depression opposite one of the side walls 142. Thecutout, if provided in other embodiments, can be provided with a varietyof shapes as long as the structural integrity of the valve body formingthe passage is not sacrificed.

The barrel valve 122 as described in the foregoing can be disposedwithin a semi-cylindrical bore 162 extending into the barrier wall 112intermediate the first and second flow channels 102, 104. A sealingeffect between the barrel valve and the bore can be achieved fromappropriate lapping, grinding, burnishing or other surface treatment ofthe respective parts. Such treatment can vary, depending upon thematerials chosen, which itself can be influenced by the specific fluidflow application involved. Suitable materials can include stainlesssteel for the barrel valve, which can be burnished for a closertolerance fit with respect to the bore. However, other materials canalso be selected, including thermoplastics or composites, with orwithout coatings or platings as desired or required. Factors varyingwith the application can include sealing pressures, cost of manufacture,fluid compatibility and reactivity, and rotational force required tomanipulate the barrel valve.

However, in other embodiments, the barrel valve assembly 120 is providedwith additional elements, as follows. In such a further embodiment ofthe valve assembly 120, the valve body 130 is also provided with atleast one seal-receiving circular groove 152. As shown in the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4 , two such grooves are provided, oneon either side of the passage 140. The grooves are mutually parallel andare configured to receive O-rings or circular seals 124 therein. Thisembodiment of the valve assembly, comprising a barrel valve 122 andO-rings, can be installed directly into the semi-cylindrical bore 162 inthe barrier wall 112, the O-rings bearing against the bore walls as thevalve assembly is selectively rotated about its axis of symmetry 138.

In yet a further embodiment, the barrel valve assembly 120 furthercomprises, in addition to a barrel valve 122 and O-rings 124, a liner126 comprised of a substantially cylindrical shell with a respectiveaxis of symmetry 128. The liner is intended for stationary installationinto the bore 162 in the barrier wall 112. An inner diameter of theliner is selected to receive the barrel valve therein with an outerperipheral extent of the O-rings 124 configured for physical engagementwith the inner surface of the liner, the O-rings sliding against theinner surface of the liner when the barrel valve 122 is rotated. A pairof mutually opposite apertures 164 are provided through the liner. Whenthe barrel valve is disposed within the liner, the body can be rotatedabout its axis of symmetry 138, coincident with the axis of symmetry ofthe liner, such that the valve body passage 140 can be aligned with themutually opposite liner apertures, when the valve assembly is in an openorientation, out of alignment with the mutually opposite linerapertures, when the valve assembly is in a closed orientation, or atsome rotational orientation, such that a portion of the valve bodypassage is exposed within the mutually opposite liner apertures.

The liner 126 can be provided with one or more orifices 160. When thebarrel valve 122 is installed within the liner, each of the at least onerotation limiting channels 150 formed on the body 130 is beneath acorresponding liner orifice. In this manner, a fixed projection 174,such as a set screw extending radially inward through a respective port172 in the distribution manifold 100 barrier wall 112 can extend througheach liner orifice and into the corresponding and underlying rotationlimiting channel. In addition to limiting the degree of rotation of thebarrel valve assembly about the respective axis of symmetry, theprojections, extending into the rotation limiting channels, serve tomaintain the lateral position of the barrel valve assembly within thedistribution manifold 100.

The liner 126 can be provided of a variety of materials, including glassreinforced PTFE, brass, bronze, nylon, and acetal variants, with orwithout O-rings which, if used, can be made of Buna N. The sealing linercan also be provided of stainless steel, which can be burnished, for usewith or without O-rings intermediate the liner and barrel valve 122.

Further still, an embodiment of the barrel valve assembly 120 comprisesthe barrel valve 122 and liner 126, without O-rings 124.

As best seen in FIG. 2A, the barrel valve 122 second end 134 is providedwith a bore 166 formed therein. The bore can be provided with physicalfeatures for selectively engaging a handle member 170 (FIGS. 5 and 7 )that can be manually rotated about the valve body 130 axis of symmetry138, thereby rotating the barrel valve relative to the distributionmanifold 100. A fastening member 176, such as a threaded screw, can beemployed to removably affix the handle member to the barrel valve. Forexample, the bore can be provided with internal spiral threads. Therotation member is then provided with a cylindrical projection havingcomplimentary spiral threads for engagement within the bore. Either orboth barrel valve ends can have such physical features for selectiveengagement with a rotation member.

Also disclosed is a method of selectively interconnecting mutuallyadjacent flow channels 102, 104 in a distribution manifold 100 using afluid metering valve assembly 120 including the barrel valve 122described above, with or without the O-rings 124 and/or liner 126. Themethod includes providing a barrier wall 112 intermediate and separatingfirst and second flow channels, forming a semi-cylindrical bore 162within the barrier wall thereby forming an aperture intermediate the twoflow channels, and disposing a barrel valve, such as described in theforegoing into the bore. The barrel valve can then be selectivelyrotated within the bore to align the passage 140 relative to the firstand second flow channels. The two flow channels can thus be in varyingdegrees of fluid communication via the valve body 130 passage or can bemutually isolated by the valve body, depending upon the rotationalorientation of the barrel valve within the bore.

The method can be practiced utilizing the barrel valve 122 alone withinthe barrier wall 112 bore 162, or can be practiced with a valve assembly120 including the barrel valve and at least one O-ring 124 disposedwithin a respective circular groove 152. Further, the method can furtherbe practiced with a valve assembly including the foregoing elements,along with the substantially cylindrical liner 126 as described above.In all embodiments, rotation of the barrel valve relative to the barrierwall bore results in a selective amount of fluid communication betweenthe first and second flow channels 102, 104 via the passage 140, or nofluid communication at all.

The distribution manifold 100, including the barrel valve assembly 120,can be employed within an aspirator assembly 10, as presently disclosed.In FIG. 5 , the first and second flow channels 102, 104 of the valveassembly are illustrated. Projecting from the first flow channel is acharge conduit interface 204. In one embodiment, the charge conduitinterface is provided with spiral-wound threads on an external surfacethereof and the first flow channel is provided with complimentaryspiral-wound threads on an interior surface thereof. The charge conduitinterface can thus be screwed into the open end 106 of the first flowchannel. The opposite end of the charge conduit interface, in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 5 , is provided with circumferential ribs206. The ribs are inclined in a direction towards the manifold when thecharge conduit interface is installed into the manifold, therebyfacilitating the attachment of a pliant charge conduit supplyingcompressed fluid, such as air. The charge conduit can be provided of,for example, natural or artificial elastomer and can have an internaldiameter that is selected, such that the charge conduit stretches overthe ribs, thereby retaining the conduit in position when compressedfluid is introduced therethrough.

As described in the foregoing, the barrel valve assembly 120 is disposedintermediate the first and second flow channels 102, 104, within asemi-cylindrical bore 162 within the barrier wall 112. As shown in FIGS.5 and 7 , a handle 170 is affixed to one end of the barrel valveassembly via a threaded fastener, such as a screw 176. The handleenables manual control over the rotational position of the barrel valvecylindrical body 130 relative to the first and second flow channels.Precise, linear, manual control over the flow of compressed fluidbetween the flow channels is thus enabled.

Also visible in FIG. 5 is a proximal portion of an inlet guide pipe 202.In one embodiment, the guide pipe is a cylindrical or substantiallycylindrical hollow member having a cylindrical fluid flow channeltherethrough that is substantially constant in cross-section from thedistal inlet end to the proximal outlet end. The distal inlet end isintended to receive extruded filaments therein, as will be describedbelow. The diameter of the inlet guide pipe is selected taking intoconsideration physical characteristics of the filaments and the numberto be received at one time. The presently disclosed aspirator can beused with a variety of filaments, including solid and semi-solid fibrousmaterials.

The proximal end of the inlet guide pipe 202 is in mechanical andfluid-tight communication with a coupling surface 212 a first portion222 of a discharge pipe 210 that extends through the second channel 104of the manifold 100. As seen in FIG. 6 , the discharge pipe 210, onceinstalled within the second channel, extends from both ends of themanifold 100. At an upstream end, the first portion projects free of themanifold for selective coupling with the inlet guide pipe 202. At adownstream end thereof, a second portion 230 extends for selectivecoupling with an exhaust conduit (not shown). The second end is providedwith circumferential ribs 214. The ribs are inclined in a directiontowards the manifold when the discharge pipe is installed into themanifold, thereby facilitating the attachment of a pliant exhaustconduit receiving compressed fluid, such as air. The exhaust conduit canbe provided of, for example, natural or artificial elastomer and canhave an internal diameter that is selected, such that the exhaustconduit stretches over the ribs, thereby retaining the exhaust conduitin position when compressed fluid is received therethrough.

The discharge pipe 210 is also shown installed within the manifold 100in FIG. 7 with upstream and downstream ends extending on opposite endsof the second flow channel 104. In the exploded portion of FIG. 7 , thecomponents comprising the discharge pipe are visible. Specifically, thedischarge pipe comprises the first portion 222, an intermediate portion228, and the second portion 230. Interior channels of these portions areco-aligned once assembled, as visible in FIG. 8 . The discharge pipealso includes one or more additional flow channel shaping andconstricting sections 224, 226 between the first portion and theintermediate portion 228. The discharge pipe can also include an O-ring220 or similar sealing member on the upstream end of the first portionto form a fluid-tight connection between the first portion and theupstream opening of the second channel.

Also visible in the exploded view of FIG. 7 are elements of the barrelvalve assembly 120, including the barrel valve 122, liner 126, O-rings124, handle 170 and threaded member 176. Fixed projections 174, such assets screws, are also shown for insertion into the manifold for limitingthe barrel valve rotation, as discussed above.

The exploded portions of the discharge pipe 210 are shown assembled andinstalled within the manifold 100 in FIG. 8 . Also shown is the barrelvalve assembly 120. The O-ring 220 provides a fluid-tight seal between aforward face of the first portion 222 and an interior surface of thesecond channel 104. Threads 240 formed on the exterior surface of thedischarge pipe second portion 230 and on the interior surface of thesecond channel 104 also enable a fluid-tight seal. A pressure chamber250 is thus formed in the space between the discharge pipe exteriorsurface and the second channel interior surface. The barrel valveassembly 120 selectively places a stream of pressurized fluid from thecharge conduit in communication with the pressure chamber, dependingupon the rotational position of the valve about its axis of symmetry.

When the barrel valve assembly 120 is rotated, such as through manualmanipulation of the handle 170, compressed air from the charge conduitinterface 204 enters the pressure chamber 250. The discharge pipe firstand intermediate portions 222, 228 each have a series of radiallydistributed, axially inclined orifices 233, 235 evenly distributed aboutthe surface thereof. These orifices act as fluid pathways between thepressure chamber and the interior of the discharge pipe. Compressed airthus enters each orifice at a respective entrance 230, 234 within thepressure chamber and exits the orifice at a respective exit 232, 236within the discharge pipe interior. In one embodiment, the entrances aredisposed upstream of the respective exits and are axially aligned, suchthat each orifice enables a jet of compressed air parallel to an axis ofsymmetry of the discharge pipe to enter the discharge pipe interior.

The interior diameter of the discharge pipe between the first portion222 and the intermediate portion 238, defined by at least one of theadditional flow channel shaping and constricting sections 224, 226, isnarrower than the diameter within the first portion and within the inletguide pipe 202, on the upstream side, and narrower than the dischargepipe second portion 230, on the downstream side. In one embodiment, oneor both of the additional flow channel shaping and constricting sectionsis manufactured of a hardened material, such as steel. As these portionsare typically contacted by polymer fibers in use, they present a wearresistant surface. Other portions of the discharge pipe that are nottypically contacted by polymer filaments are made from lighter-weightmaterials, such as aluminum.

The orifices thus form a Venturi tube through the narrow diameter flowshaping and constricting sections 224, 226, accelerating the flow of aircoming from the inlet guide pipe. This flow of air can thus be employedto form a vacuum in the inlet guide pipe and to draw a bundle offilaments into the inlet guide pipe and at least a portion of thedischarge pipe. The filaments can go all the way through the aspiratorand can be exhausted via a hose, perforated bag, or the like, which canbe attached to a discharge nipple. The air flow caused by the Venturitube exerts sufficient drag on the filaments, such that the aspiratorassembly 10 can be manually manipulated to physically relocate thebundle.

For example, the bundle of filaments, having been extruded throughspinnerets, can be acquired by the inlet guide pipe of the aspiratorassembly 10, photo of the aspirator assembly shown in FIG. 9 , thenbrought into contact with Godet rollers or other extrusion or windingequipment. A photo of the disassembled aspirator is shown in FIG. 10 .

A method of use of such an aspirator assembly 10, also referred to as anaspirator gun, includes assembling a barrel valve assembly 120 asdisclosed herein and disposing it into a semi-cylindrical bore withinthe barrier wall 112 of a distribution manifold 100. The barrel valvecan then be manually manipulated to control the flow of compressed fluid(e.g., air) from a charge conduit, through a charge conduit interface204 disposed within a first flow channel 102 in the manifold, throughthe barrel valve, and into a pressure chamber 250 formed between theinterior of a second flow channel 104 in the manifold and the exteriorof a discharge pipe 210 located within the second flow channel. An inletguide pipe 202 is affixed to an upstream end of the discharge pipe. Asthe barrel valve is rotated about its axis, pressurized fluid flowstherethrough, into the pressure chamber, and into the discharge pipe viaplural radially arranged orifices 233, 235 connecting the pressurechamber to the interior of the discharge pipe. The cross-sectionalconfiguration of the discharge pipe includes a narrow portionintermediate upstream and downstream sets of orifices. A Venturi is thusformed, drawing air into the open end of the inlet guide pipe. A freeend of filaments can thus be drawn into the aspirator assembly andselectively retained therein for manual manipulation of the filamentbundle.

Alternative embodiments of the subject matter of this application willbecome apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presentinvention pertains, without departing from its spirit and scope. It isto be understood that no limitation with respect to specific embodimentsshown here is intended or inferred.

1.-30. (canceled)
 31. A barrel valve assembly comprising: a valve bodybeing substantially symmetrical about an axis of symmetry; first andopposite second ends along the valve body axis of symmetry; and apassage formed laterally through the valve body, the passage comprising:mutually parallel, planar first and second side walls, each lying inrespective plane that is parallel to the axis of symmetry of the valvebody, a first planar end wall, intermediate ends of the first and secondside walls most proximate the valve body first end, a second planar endwall, intermediate ends of the first and second side walls mostproximate the valve body second end, the first end wall being parallelto the second end wall and both the first and second end walls lying ina respective plane that is orthogonal to the valve body axis ofsymmetry, and transition regions between the first planar end wall andthe ends of each of the first and second side walls most proximate thevalve body first end and between the second planar end wall and the endsof each of the first and second side walls most proximate the valve bodysecond end.
 32. The barrel valve assembly of claim 31, wherein thetransition regions are each a right angle, and whereby a cross-sectionof the passage coincident with the valve body axis of symmetry is arectangle or square.
 33. The barrel valve assembly of claim 31, whereinthe transition regions are each a circular arc having a central angle ofninety degrees, whereby a cross-section of the passage coincident withthe valve body axis of symmetry is a rounded rectangle or roundedsquare.
 34. The barrel valve assembly of claim 31, wherein a planeequidistant to each of the first and second side walls is parallel to,but offset from, the valve body axis of symmetry.
 35. The barrel valveassembly of claim 31, wherein the valve body has at least one rotationlimiting channel formed on an outer surface thereof, the at least onerotation limiting channel lies in a plane orthogonal to the valve bodyaxis of symmetry and in an arc of one-hundred twenty degrees or lessabout the valve body axis of symmetry on the outer surface of the valvebody.
 36. The barrel valve assembly of claim 31, further comprising asubstantially cylindrical liner having an axis of symmetry and an innerdiameter selected to receive the valve body therein and having a pair ofmutually opposite apertures that can be fully, partially, or not alignedwith the valve body passage when the valve body is received within theliner and the valve body is rotated about the valve body axis ofsymmetry, wherein the valve body axis of symmetry and the liner axis ofsymmetry are coaxial when the valve body is received within the liner.37. The barrel valve assembly of claim 36, wherein the liner comprisesglass reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), brass, bronze, nylon,acetal variants, or stainless steel.
 38. The barrel valve assembly ofclaim 36, wherein the liner comprises one or more orifices.
 39. Thebarrel valve assembly of claim 31, further comprising a presence ofO-rings or an absence of O-rings associate with the valve body.
 40. Thebarrel valve assembly of claim 31, wherein at least one of the valvebody first and opposite second ends has a bore formed therein, and theat least one bore has an internal, spiral thread for selectivelyreceiving a cylindrical projection of a member therein, the cylindricalprojection having an external spiral thread formed thereon, the memberbeing for selectively adjusting the rotational position of the valvebody about the valve body axis of symmetry.
 41. The barrel valveassembly of claim 31, wherein the valve body has a cutout formed on anouter surface of the valve body.
 42. The barrel valve assembly of claim41, wherein the cutout formed on an outer surface of the valve body is asemi-cylindrical depression opposite one of the side walls.
 43. Thebarrel valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least oneseal-receiving circular groove.
 44. The barrel valve assembly of claim33, wherein two seal-receiving circular grooves are provided, whereinone groove is located on each side of the passage, and wherein thegrooves are configured to receive O-rings or circular seals therein. 45.The barrel valve assembly of claim 31 wherein the linear side walls andend walls are substantially linear.
 46. The barrel valve assembly ofclaim 31, comprising stainless steel, thermoplastics, or composites. 47.The barrel valve assembly of claim 31, further comprising a bore for afastener located at the second end for selectively engaging a handle formanual rotation of the barrel valve.
 48. An air distribution manifoldcomprising: a first flow channel; a second flow channel adjacent to thefirst flow channel; a barrier wall in between the first flow channel andthe second flow channel; and the barrel valve assembly of claim 1located within the barrier wall, wherein the first flow channel and thesecond flow channel are in selective mutual communication via the barrelvalve assembly.
 49. The air distribution manifold of claim 48, whereinthe first flow channel is configured to be selectively coupled to acharge conduit providing pressurized fluid to the first flow channel,wherein the second flow channel is configured to be selectively coupledto a discharge pipe.
 50. The air distribution manifold of claim 48,wherein a solid portion of the barrel valve blocks a passageintermediate the first flow channel and the second flow channel when thebarrel valve is in a closed position and where an open passage existsintermediate the first flow channel and the second flow channel when thebarrel valve is in an open position allowing a metered amount of fluidtherebetween.